Skip to main content
jib

jib

13 8.6
A triangular sail set at the front of a boat
  • noun
  • /dʒɪb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : foque
  • The crew worked quickly to adjust the jib so the boat could catch the wind efficiently.
  • horizontal jib

Examples

  • But the jib caught on the forestay; if it got backwinded, they would be hit.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • You mean the jib sheet, sir?

  • I have to hoist the jib.

  • - Hoisting the jib, Captain's orders.

  • Kittiwake's mainsail shot up the mast, and her jib billowed free.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Hilary gave the jib halyard a violent jerk, and the sail fell onto the deck in a heap.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • As we navigated the harbor, I noticed that the jib was set perfectly for our course.

  • He skillfully trimmed the jib to optimize our speed on the open water.

Synonyms

sail
vsjib
103 1.0

A large piece of strong fabric on a boat that catches wind to move the boat

is the specific triangular form ahead of the foremast rather than general fabric
fore-topmast staysail
vsjib
  • Specialized
9.9

A small triangular sail set just ahead of the front mast on a large sailing ship

is the general triangular sail ahead of the foremast rather than the innermost
fore staysail
vsjib
  • Specialized
9.9

A triangular sail set just in front of the foremast on a large sailing ship

is the general triangular sail ahead of the foremast rather than the innermost
inner jib
vsjib
  • Archaic
9.9

A sail near the front of a large sailing ship that sits between two other front sails

is the general triangular sail ahead of the foremast rather than an intermediate one
outer jib
vsjib
  • Specialized
9.9

A triangular sail near the front of a large sailing ship, set just behind the sail that is furthest forward

is the general triangular sail ahead of the foremast rather than the second outermost
flying jib
vsjib
  • Jargon
9.9

A small outer sail on the long pole at the front of a ship that catches wind

is the triangular sail placed nearer the foremast rather than the outermost
fore-and-aft sail
vsjib
  • Specialized
8.6

A sail set along the length of a boat rather than across it

is a triangular sail defined by position ahead of the foremast rather than rigging style

Idioms

1 9.9

The way someone looks or acts that shows what they are like

Compounds

flying jib
  • Jargon
9.9

A small outer sail on the long pole at the front of a ship that catches wind

inner jib
  • Archaic
9.9

A sail near the front of a large sailing ship that sits between two other front sails

outer jib
  • Specialized
9.9

A triangular sail near the front of a large sailing ship, set just behind the sail that is furthest forward

How Big

spinnaker
  • Specialized
3 9.1
sail
103 1.0
mainsail
  • Specialized
7 8.0
jib
  • Specialized
13 8.6

Surface Forms

jib singular
jibs plural

Etymology

Jib (noun) is the small triangular sail at the front of a boat, and the name probably comes from an old word for a part that 'projects' forward. That's why a jib is the front sail that catches wind to help steer the ship.